Charitable Administration.

Carpente-r was Master . During nineteen ycars he was an excellent member , and frequently delivered the lectures in thc various degrees . In 1 S 29 Bro . W . D . Hughes was Master . He was an advocate of the cause of charity . For several years he was our Secretary . He

presented the lodge with a register book of all the members admitted since 1812 , and an abridgment of the minutes from 1780 to 1847 . Since the Union this lodge hasmet at six places for periods of one , two , or three years , anel at the following six houses for periods of more than four

years . 1808—1816 Spread Eagle , Whitecross-street 8 years 1818—1825 St . Luke ' s Head , Old-street ... 7 „ 1826—1830 Shakespeare ' s Head , Percival-street 4 ,, 1830—1837 Roebuck , Gt . Dover-street ... 7 „ 1843—1862 Green Man Tavern , Tooley-street 19 „ 1862—186 3 Bridge House Hotel ... ... ij „ 1863—1867 Green Man Tavern 4 ,,

1867—1877 Bridge House Hotel 11 „ In 1841 the lodge indulged in what is known as a Summer Banquet , for they decided " that the members who chose and their ladies , dine at the Duchess of York Tavern , Battersea Fields , on July 19 , and that the members of the Strong Man Lodge be invited to join them . " In

1848 E . Harris was Master . He was our Secretary for fouiteen years and Treasurer for thirteen years . Hc died in 1877 , respected by every member of this , his mother lodge , of which he had for some ycars been the oldest member . In 1848 and 1850 , C . R . Dean was Master . He was a worthy brother and represented this lotlge three times as a Steward at the festivals of the Masonic Schools .

He presented the lodge with a new ballot box . In 1833 W . E . Jackson was Master . He presentetl the lodge with a chair for the W . M ., and two pedestals for the Wardens . In 1854 D . Davies was Master . Hc filled the office of Treasurer for seven and half years , and was preeminently distinguished for the warm interest he took in the Masonic Charities . In 18156 H . Gregory was Master . He was a

most energetic Mason , but unfortunately his life was a short one . During his year of office the lodge enjoyed a prosperity which it had never previously attained . The Grantl Lodge dues were £ 44 7 s ., the highest amount up to that time . I was his first initiate . Twenty-two others followed me in the same year , and I regret to state lhat at the end of seven years I was

the only one who remained a member . In 1859 , J . Donkin was Master . He was our Secretary for seven years . Oa Dec . 20 th of this year , the last of our first century , it was my gootl fortune to be unanimously elected W . M . for the ensuing year . I was installed on the 17 II 1 January , i 860 , and as the centenary was not completed until the 27 th February following , that being the date of our

original warrant ( Feb . 27 th , 17 60 ) , I had tlie pleasure of presiding over the lodge as the last Master during the first century of its existence , and the first Master during its second century . During this year ( 1860 ) the lotlge gave thirty guineas to the Masonic Charities . Thc Past Masters of the lodge who are members at the present time are John Dixon , M . D ., i 860 ; F . Walters , 186 3 ; H . Moore , 186 * 5 ;

T . J . Sabine , 1868 ; D . Rose , 1869 ; E . H . Ebsworth , 1870 ; G . Free , 1872 ; G . F . Grace , 7873 ; A . L . Dussek , 1874 ; I . J . H . Wilkins , 187-5 ; C . Rayner , 1876 ; T . Knott , 1877 . The Past Masters who have been founders and first W . M . of other lodges are , H . Gregory , 763 ; J . Dixon , 871 ; J . Donkin , 1178 ; F . Walters , 1307 ; D . Rose , 1622 ; T . J . Sabine , lua . The senior member of

the lodge is Bro . W . C . Hcndley , who joined April 16 th , 1850 . The eldest son of the lodge is Bro . S . S . Sard , who was initiated May 15 th , 1855 . The next oldest member is Bro . F . Walters , who was initiated thc day that Bro . Sard was passetl , and I was proposed for initiation on the day Bro . Sard was raised ( Dec . 20 , iS-iO- The youngest child of

the lodge is Bro . Harrison , who was initiated Dec . 18 , 1877 . The number of members is 124 . Total members of the lodge from 1780 to 1877 , S 44 , of whom 678 were intiated in the lodge , and 166 joined . The lodge first met at " Bridge House Hotel , " on March 18 , 1862 , and remained here till June 16 , 1863 . It met here again on Sept . 17 , 1868 , and has continued to meet here to the present time ,

During the last 24 years this lodge has sent 20 Stewards to the festivals of the Boys' School . The personal donations of those Stewards amounted to £ 194 * js . The lodge donations during the same period were £ 197 ios . The amount of Stewards' lists from 1870 to 1877 was £ 973 , 7 s . The nett amount of these lists with the donations of the lodge and Stewards prior to 1870 , is £ 1046 12 s . Bro .

M . Eltham , a member , bequeathed £ 300 ; died 1864 . During the last 29 years the lodge has sent 19 Stewards to the festivals of the Girls' School . Stewards' donations , £ 246 ics . Lodge donations , £ 168 , 1860-1877 . Stewards ' lists , £ 693 18 s .. Nett amount of lists since i 860 , and donations before i 860 , £ 79 8 18 s . During the last 27 years thc lodge has sent 19 Stewards to thc festivals of

the Masonic Benevolent Institution . The amount of Steward' lists from 1866 to 1867 , ^ 393 6 s . 6 d . ; thc latter , plus lodge donations ( before i 866 )[ £ 4 6 37 s . 6 tl . The miscellaneous charities from the lodge funds were £ 44 is . The most noteworthy of these were : —18 54 , to the Patriotic Fund for wives , widows and orphans , of soldiers and sailors fighting in the East £ 3 5 s . 18 * 57 f ° relief of

sufferers in India £ 10 . 1867 , Turks Island Relief Funtl £ 2 . 1868 , Masonic Life Boat Fund £ 3 . 18-54-1876 , Various donations from the Charity Fund amounted to £ 163 . — Grand Lotlge dues 1814 to 1876 , paid to Grantl Lotlge £ 1166 7 s . 6 d . 1877 , £ 34 9 s . making a grantl total of upwards of £ 3700 . which this lodge has been the means

of raising lor charitable purposes in some form or other . This amount is exclusive of private subscriptions which v / err placed on thc Stewards' lists in previous years ( when those lists were not preserved ) and also of thc donations of members of this lotlge which were given on the occasion ot their serving as Stewards for other lodges . In

Charitable Administration.

conclusion allow mc to observe that on an occasion of this kind our joy must necessarily be mingled with serious antl solemn reflection . More than 700 of our members have passetl away , but the gootl deeds of some of them are not forgotten to tlay . Man , as an individual , is but an atom in the infinity of space . His life when protrartetl to its utmost span , is but as the lightnings

flash in the infinity of time . Thc material works of his hands , however grand antl noble they may be , inevitably decay . Thc noblest and most age-enduring of them all all are fountl in works of operative Masonry . Time—often called all-destroying time—whicii slowly but surely crumbles into dust thc most solid structures of human art , and spares not thc Masonic rock itself , adds

link upon link to the chain of intellectual antl moral progress . Freemasonry is a grand link in the chain of human progress;—each Masonic lodge is a link in the chain of Masonry ;—each member of a lodge is a link in the chain of a lodge ' s existence , or in other words , a fibre in a strand of a rope of many strands;—the excellence , and strength , antl durability of which ticpend on thc

excellence and perfection of its component parts . The lodge to which we hs . ve the honour to belong , though humble in its origin , and humble in the social position of many of its members , has , upon the whole , played no unworthy part in thc history and progress of English Freemasonry . If it has done no more , it lias helped to add lustre to thc brighest jewel in the crown of English

Masonry—I mean charity . We have drunk of the cup of prosperity . We have also tasted the bread of adversity . We have not escaped the leprosy of a few unworthy members , but we rejoice that their number has been far exccctled by excellent antl worthy Masons . I hope I may say that we have many members who arc anxious to emulate the gootl deeds of those who have gone before us .

One thing more is necessary , and thnt is , we shoultl introduce as our successors only such as are likely lo tlo honour to the lodge and Craft . I have pleasure , W . M ., in presenting you with the centenary warrant , which has been granted during your year of office , antl of decorating you with the centenary jewel . In the name of the lotlge I express the hope you will be spared to wear it

among .-t us for many years to come . I thank the brethren for the kind attention I have received , and I now conclude this centenary address with thc prayer which was doubtless ultere I at its consecration of the lodge , " may peace , prosperitv , and harmony attend this lodge . " A vole of thanks was nftcrwards insretl to Dr . Dixon

for thc above address , and it was ordered to be printed antl circulated among its members . Dr . Dixon afterwards installed Bro . E . E . Cooper , as W . M . ; antl the following brethren to office : Bros . H . Keeble , S . W . ; Ireton , J . W . ; Dr . Dixon , Treas . ; George Free , Secretary ; Isaacs , S . D . ; Holmes , J . D . ; Wittgen stein , I . G . ; Grace , D . C ; D . Rose , W . 'i . ; and W . Y .

Laing , Tyler . A vote of thanks was ordered to be recorded on the lotlge minutes to Dr . Dixon for installing the W . M ., and ten guineas were voted to the list of Bro . Grace , as Steward for thc Benevolent Institution festival . Thc brethren then closed the lodge , antl adjourned to a splendid banquet ,

anel honoured a long list of toasts , among which were " Thc Pious Memory of the Founders of the Lotlge , " "The Mount Lebanon Lodge , " and "The Senior Member , " three special toasts for the occasion . A charming selection of music was performed by Bros . Seymour Smith , T . W . Simons , W . Pritchett , J . Thornton , and Theodore Distin .

Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.

MASONIC BALL AT BLACKBURN AND PRESENTATION TO BRO . LE GENDRE N . STARKIE .

On Thursday , roth inst ., a . Masonic ball of a brilliant description took place in the Town Hall , the proceeds to be devoted to the funds of the East Lancashire Systematic Masonic Educational and Benevolent Institution .

Prior to the proceedings in the ball-room , a preliminary assembly took place in the large police-court , Town Hall , for the purpose of making a presentation of an illuminated address to Colonel Le Gendre N . Starkie , R . W . P . G . M ., East Lancashire , and P . G . W ., England . His Worship the Mayor , Kro . Jas . Dickenson , presided ; and among those present were Bros . E . Ashworth , P . G . S . W ., East

Lancashire ; It . H . Hutchinson , P . P . G . S . W ., East Lancashire ; T . Clough , P . P . G . R ., East Lancashire ; E . Halliwell , P . P . G . O ., East Lancashire ; W . H . Cunliffe , P . P . G . P ., East Lancashire ; R . C . J . Duckworth , P . P . G . A . P ., East Lancashire ; T . Taylor , P . P . G . S . B ., East Lancashire ; W . Coddington , W . E . " L . Game , W . Counsel ! , I . G ., 343 ; S . L . Buckley , S . D ., 26 9 ; T . S . Ainsworth , P . M .,

34 6 ; W . F . Townley , P . M ., 2 G 9 ; D . Towers , P . M ., D . C , 344 ; AUOP Blenkhorn , W . M ., 26 9 ; G . Oornall , 345 ; and N . Jones 5 69 , honorary secretaries of ball committee ; Wm . Almond , 3 81 , P . M ., P . P . G . S . W . ; Samuel Howarth , P . M ., 345 ; Jas . Bertwistle , P . M ., 269 ; Sam . Tomlinson ; S . W ., 26 9 ; Chas . Aspden , 269 ; G . Br ooke , J . W ., 269 ; S . Goldstone , S . D ., 24-5 ; R . W . Calterall ,

S . W . 1312 ; P . W . Flinn , 3 81 . Lodge of Faith , Clapham ; Thomas Cunliffe , 26 9 ; Thomas Preston , 26 9 ; Richard Kearslty , P . M . 34 6 ; Wm Pinder , J . W . 343 ; J . T . Hall , J . ' D . 1519 ; John Booth , J . D . 37 ; Thos . Mercer ; A . S . 1316 ; John Kighy , . 345 ; H . A . Spun * , P . M . 939 ; E . Shaw , J . D . 340 ; John Leaver , S . D . 34 6 ; J .

Mnrgerison , 344 ; Thomas Thompson , 1319 ; Thomas Longworth , 269 ; Daniel Neville , 343 ; Wm . Heaton , 345 ; Thomas Walmsley , P . M . 4 62 ; Thos . Parkinson , 269 . William , Isherwood , 343 ; G . T . Underwood , P . M . 424 , William Barton , 26 9 ' ; J . Troop , P . M . 269 ; James Pyes I . P . M ., 345 ; L . D . Blackburn , W . M ., 345 ; George Duerden , P . M ., 34 s ; Ralph Robertson , 34 * 5 ; Charles

Masonic Ball At Blackburn And Presentation To Bro. Le Gendre N. Starkie.

Porter , 345 ; James Aspinall , S . W ., 345 ; Samuel Fallows , 343 ; W , Fletcher , LG ., 269 ; Joseph Potts , 269 ; W . Holland , 269 ; Obadiah Sagar , J . S ., 345 ; J . Pollard , S . S ., 269 ; H . Underbill , 1519 ; Wm . Forrest , 37 ; J . Barton , P . M ., 4 62 ; W . H . ' Haworth , I . P . M ., 381 " ; John Oldfield , 343 ; J . J . Pemberton , 343 ; Amos Armistead , P . M ., 346 ; David Schofield , 269 ; Daniel R . Parkinson , 343 ; H . W . Graham , 345 ; J . Platts , 345 ; James Heap ,

J . D ., 26 9 ; Thos . Sourbutts , D . M ., 346 ; J , J . Blackshaw , J . W ., 346 ; Wm . Lamb , J . D ., 34 6 ; * J . D . Hirst , 343 ; W . C . Tiplady , 345 ; and H . T . Platts , S . S ., 343 . The Mayor said they had assembled there on that occasion for a purpose which he had no doubt would give great satisfaction to all present , and those connected with the Masonic Craft generally . They should that day celebrate thc 3 0 th birthday of the Worthy Provincial Grand Master of East Lancashire . He was sure it would be a

source of gratification to all present to see him in such a state of health as they found him that evening . He had just completed a space of life which extended over the period of half-a-century , and he ( the Mayor ) was sure they all wished that he might have many happy returns of the day —( hear , hear ) , —and that he might be long spared to live amongst them . ( Hear , hear . ) He was

sure no man connected with Masonry so much delighted in that event as he did . His friends and brethren would welcome Col . Starkie as being the Right Worshipful Master of the largest district in this country . ( Hear , hear . ) He was sure they regarded it as an advantage and an honour to have Col . Starkie as the Grand Master of so important a district as East Lancashire . ( Cheers . ) The

Mayor then called upon , Bro . Thomas to read the address , which was as follows : — To Bro . Le Gendre N . Starkie , D . L ., Past Grand Warden of England , anil Grand Master of the Province of East Lancashire . —Right Worshipful Sir , —We , the Masters , Past Masters , officers , antl brethren of Lotlges 269 ,

343 , and 34 6 , Blackburn , desire most cordially and loyally to offer you our sinccrest congratulations on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of your birthday . We thank The Great Architect of thc Universe that Hc has granted to you so abundant a measure of health and strength , and that he has endowed you with wisdom ard sound judgment , by which you are enabled to discharge thc onerous

tluties of your high office in snch a manner as to promote thc welfare and happiness of the brethren under your charge , antl to further thc highest interests of Freemasonry in this large province . We pray that you may be blessed wilh unimpaired health and energy , long to continue the beneficent rule under which we have the happiness to carry on the gootl work of the Craft in this province , and may

you live to sec your children and your children s children following in the footsteps of their honoured progenitors in the gootl paths of Freemasonry . —Signeel on behalf of their respective lodges , Allon Blenkhorn , W . M . Lodge of Fidelity , 269 ; Samuel Haworth , Lodge of Perseverance , 345 * , William Williams , United Brethren , 346 . Thc address , artistically speaking , is a splendid piece

of workmanship . It is contained in a massive gilt frame , richly illuminated and tlecoratctl with Masonic emblems . Thc framework is crowned with an emblem of the office of the P . G . M ., initialled around as follows : " R . W . P . G . M ., of East Lancashire . " Beneath this is a crest of the Starkie family in gilt . The names of the three lodges that have contributed the testimonial are inscribed on the

frame , namely , " Lotlge of Fidelity , 26 9 " at the top ; and " Lodge of Perseverance , 345 , " and " Lodge of United Brethren , 346 " on either side . At the base the Holy Bible is carved in gilt , being open with the square and compasses lying on the top of it . The ribbon below contains the motto , " Audi Vide Tace . " Each corner is filled in with a double triangle , emblematic of Royal Arch

Masonry . 1 he letters of the atldrcss are relieved with beautiful colouring . Mr . Cunliffe , tlecorator , Church-street , and King-street , lias executed thc mounting and frame , antl the adtlress had been prepared by Mr . John Holland , surveyor . Bro . R . H . Hutchinson , P . P . S . G . W . of East Lancashire , was called upon to present thc address . He

said hc thought none of the brethren in that room coultl enter it without mingled feelings , nor coultl he undertake the task whicii had been imposed upon him to present lhat address without having those ming led feelings . When he looked back upon the past hc remembered that Col . Starkie was the son of a most noble Mason , antl he presided over the whole province

of Lancashire with such dignity aud grace that he gained the goodwill of all the brethren , and when the time came that it was necessary , owing to the growth of Masonry , that this province should be divided , he unlike most men , was ready and willing to divide the district into two great parts . He ( Bro . Hutchinson ) was sure that brethren of East

Lancashire werc very glad that they werc able to place Col . Starkie at the head of East Lancashire in Iheir noble Ortlcr , as the Right Worshipful Grand Master of the Province . They were grateful in two ways . In the first jilace , he was the son of such a father that by hereditary duty he woultl perform the duties allotted to him with thc same dignity , thc same grace , and

thc same generous satisfaction which the example of his father had left him lo follow . Hc had also the satisfaction of believing that Col . Starkie had the influence antl qualification to maintain with dignity and grace what his ancestors had upheld , and hc had no doubt that thc high reputation of the Order would be

maintained . His conduct had so far satisfied the brethren , that they hoped he might be spared many long years to follow the same course , and that his children would hereafter admiringly imitiate the same example . ( Hear , hear . ) He ( Mr . Hutchinson ) knew that to the outside world Masonry was very difficult to understand . It seemed